The V&A's medieval & renaissance galleries. Its new director, Professor Martin Roth, described the institution as the world's leading museum of art and design. Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

Professor Martin Roth has been appointed director of the V&A, replacing Sir Mark Jones.

Roth, who is currently director general of the Dresden state art collections, will take up the role in September after being appointed by the V&A board of trustees and the prime minister.

Paul Ruddock, chairman of the board of V&A trustees, said Roth "has a strong record of leading and managing complex arts organisations and brings experience of working in museums and cultural organisations around the world".

Roth, 56, was curator at the German historical museum in Berlin, and director of the German hygiene-museum in Dresden, before being appointed to oversee the Dresden state art collections in 2001.

He was awarded the French 'Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' in 2007, which recognises significant contributions to the arts.

"The V&A is the world's leading museum of art and design and I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as its new Director," Roth said.